Buckland Newton

  • REMINDER for all lovers of wine: The Gaggle of Geese will be hosting an Italian Wine Tasting Evening, accompanied by antipasti.

This event takes place in association with Michael Palij MW and Quantock Abbey Wine Cellars on Tuesday, April 21.

The evening will commence at 7pm for a 7:30pm start and the cost of this special event will be £ 20 per person.

For further information and to book call The Gaggle of Geese on 01300 345249.

Sydling St. Nicholas

  • STRICTLY Come Dancing fever has caught hold of the village!

Ballroom and Latin American dance classes are to be held on alternate Wednesdays in the village hall.

The first class will be on Wednesday, April 29 and will last from 7:30pm – 9pm.

Numbers are strictly limited so if you and your partner are interested please call Jenny Hopkin on 01300 341252.

  • QUIZ night: Sydling Springs Pre-School, based in the Village Hall, will be holding a quiz night on Thursday, April 23.

It will take place in the Giant Inn in Cerne Abbas and start at 8pm prompt – obviously you are welcome to come earlier to “get the beers in”!

By popular demand, the Pre-School is also organising the return of The Sun Room band.

This event will be happening on Saturday, May 9, at the Village Hall.

Doors open at 7:30pm, tickets cost £ 5.00 and there will be a licensed bar.

If you have heard The Sun Room before (or would like to!) don’t delay getting your tickets – please call Janine (01300 341713) or Catriona (01300 320994).

Charlton Down

  • QUIZ night: Quiz lovers are well looked after this month – Charlton Down is also holding a quiz night – on Saturday, April 25.

It will take place at the Village Hall and commence at 7:30pm.

Tickets are £ 2.00 per person, teams of four to six are invited to join.

A reasonably priced bar will be available.

If you would like further details please call Trudy on 01305 213809.

Cerne Abbas

  • SURGERY: Now that plans for travelling in the summer are being made, the surgery would like to encourage everyone to take advantage of its travel clinic.

Many travel-related infections are entirely preventable.

In order to enjoy a safe and healthy holiday it is recommended to make an appointment for this specialised clinic at least six weeks before departure.

Backpackers and gap year students are invited to see the travel nurse at least ten weeks before the start of their travels.

Her consultations usually take place on Thursday afternoons.

Cerne Abbas Surgery recommends the following websites to obtain further information: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk or www.nathnac.org.

For all travel enquiries within the surgery please call the usual number: 01300 341666.

Furthermore, other specialised nurse’s clinics are available, for example smoking cessation, smear clinics, diabetic clinics or new patient health checks.

Please use these to your advantage as well as the general nurse appointments!

  • HORSES for courses: The annual Cerne Giant Ride is coming up once again – this year it will take place on Sunday, May 31.

For all those who are new to this event: It is a long-distance horse ride, held each year for a variety of competitors.

Riders and their horses travel from near and far to complete a number of distances, ranging from 16 km to 80 km.

Experienced endurance riders will have this date firmly fixed in their calendars but if you are new to this sport consider taking part in the Cerne Giant Ride!

Organiser Anthony Sargent will be happy to supply further information – give him a call on 01300 341102.

Visitors are equally welcome, long distance rides can be a family occasion.

Overnight camping under the Cerne Giant is available as well as refreshments on the day.